throbber
Case 2:20-cv-03129-JAK-GJS Document 1 Filed 04/03/20 Page 1 of 25 Page ID #:1
`
`Bis]
`
`JENNER & BLOCK LLP
`JULIE A. SHEPARD (SBN 175538)
`JShepard@jenner.com
`ANDREW G. SULLIVAN (SBN 301122)
`AGSuIlivan@Jenner.com
`SATI HARUTYUNYAN(SBN313138)
`SHarutyunyan@jenner.com
`EFFIONG K. DAMPHA (SBN 323554)
`EDampha@jenner.com
`633
`West 5tn Street Suite 3600
`Los Angeles, CA 90071 -2054
`Telephone:
`239-5100
`Facsimile:
`239-5199
`GIANNI P. SERVODIDIO (pro hac vice to be submitted)
`s(^enner.com
`D
`9^ird Avenue
`New York, NY 10022-3908
`Telephone: (212)
`891-1600
`Facsimile: (2\2)
`891-1699
`Attorneys for Plaintiffs
`UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
`CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
`WESTERN DIVISION
`
`1 2 3 4 5
`
`6
`
`7 8
`
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`
`20
`21
`
`Case No.
`
`COMPLAINT FOR COPYRIGHT
`INFRINGEMENT
`DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
`
`COLUMBIA PICTURES INDUSTRIES,
`INC.; AMAZON CONTENT
`SERVICES, LLC; DISNEY
`ENTERPRISES, INC.; PARAMOUNT
`PICTURES CORPORATION;
`WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT
`INC.; UNIVERSAL CITY STUDIOS
`PRODUCTIONS LLLP; UNIVERSAL
`TELEVISION LLC; and UNIVERSAL
`CONTENT PRODUCTIONS LLC,
`Plaintiffs,
`
`22
`V.
`23 ALEJANDRO GALINDO and DOES 1-
`20,
`24
`
`25
`26
`
`27
`28
`
`Defendants.
`
`COMPLAINT
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-03129-JAK-GJS Document 1 Filed 04/03/20 Page 2 of 25 Page ID #:2
`
`Plaintiffs bring this Complaint against Alejandro Galindo (“Galindo”) and
`DOES 1-20 (collectively with Galindo, “Defendants”) for direct and secondary
`copyright infringement under the Copyright Act (17 U.S.C. § 101 et seq.). This
`Court has subject matterjurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331, 1338(a), and 17
`U.S.C. § 501(b). Plaintiffs allege, on personal knowledge as to themselves and
`information and belief as to others, as follows:
`INTRODUCTION
`1.
`Defendants own and operate the infringing Internet Protocol television
`(“IPTV”) service commonly referred to as Nitro TV. Defendants offer Nitro TV
`subscription packages consisting of thousands of live and title-curated television
`channels available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the
`United States and abroad. The channels available on Nitro TV include many of the
`world’s most popular television programs and motion pictures such as The Office,
`Spider-Man: Homecoming, Toy Story 3, Star Trek Beyond, Homecoming and Joker,
`including works whose copyrights Plaintiffs own or exclusively control
`(“Copyrighted Works”). Plaintiffs and/or their affiliates have invested and continue
`to invest substantial resources and effort each year to develop, produce, distribute,
`and publicly perform their Copyrighted Works through legitimate market channels
`that in aggregate create a content ecosystem that is safe and reliable for consumers.
`Defendants’ unlawful conduct in operating Nitro TV directly and willfully subverts
`that ecosystem through pursuit of illicit profits from massive and blatant
`infringement of Plaintiffs’ Copyrighted Works.
`2.
`Upon paying Nitro TV’s subscription fees, subscribers are provided
`with credentials enabling access to an array of television channels, curated by
`Defendants, via the web-based Nitro TV platform as well as the Nitro TV application
`for use on mobile phones and smart TVs (eollectively the “Nitro TV Platforms”)
`which Defendants control. Through and in connection with these distribution outlets
`and systems they devised, architected, and control. Defendants illegally reproduce
`
`1 2 3 4 5 6 7
`
`8 9
`
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`2
`COMPLAINT
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-03129-JAK-GJS Document 1 Filed 04/03/20 Page 3 of 25 Page ID #:3
`
`and publicly perform the Copyrighted Works in vast numbers without Plaintiffs’
`authorization and facilitate, induce, and contribute to infringement of the
`Copyrighted Works by others.
`3.
`Defendants’ ongoing and massive infringement is willful. Defendants
`know they are violating Plaintiffs’ rights to exploit the Copyrighted Works. Indeed,
`Defendants have actively selected the programming that they sell and stream
`illegally to subscribers on Nitro TV Platforms, notified Nitro TV subscribers when
`channels containing Plaintiffs’ Copyrighted Works have been added, asked
`subscribers for feedback regarding what television programs they would like
`Defendants to add to Nitro TV’s channel lineup, and apparently added television
`shows in response to subscribers’ feedback. Further, Defendants continued to offer
`their blatantly infringing service even after they became aware of a lawsuit against
`a similarly infringing IPTV service “Set TV Now” and have also continued to offer
`Nitro TV after the operators of the Set TV Now service were adjudicated to be
`infringing Plaintiffs’ copyrights and were enjoined.
`4.
`Defendants’ knowledge that their acts are illegal is further confirmed
`by Defendants’ concerted efforts to hide their tracks and operate anonymously. For
`example, the primary Nitro TV website used to obtain credentials to access the Nitro
`TV Platforms conceals registrant information from public access. Likewise,
`Defendants have not registered a Digital Millennium Copyright Act (“DMCA”)
`agent for any Nitro TV website they have operated. Moreover, as described further
`below, Galindo has advised Nitro TV subscribers on how to hide their locations from
`detection when using the Nitro TV Platforms.
`5.
`On top of selling Nitro TV subscriptions directly to users. Defendants
`have also developed an extensive and expanding web of Nitro TV resellers. As
`explained in more detail below, these resellers market and sell Defendants’
`infringing Nitro TV service throughout the United States and around the world. By
`
`1 2 3
`
`4 5 6 7 8 9
`
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`3
`COMPLAINT
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-03129-JAK-GJS Document 1 Filed 04/03/20 Page 4 of 25 Page ID #:4
`
`creating and cultivating their reseller program, Defendants have dramatically
`increased their ill-gotten gains flowing from infringement.
`6.
`Defendants’ entire business amounts to nothing more than a brazen,
`large-scale copyright infringement operation, undertaken to maximize ill-gotten
`profits for as long as possible. Plaintiffs have brought this action to stop Defendants’
`ongoing copyright infringement and to secure damages resulting from Defendants’
`infringing conduct.
`
`JURISDICTION AND VENUE
`This Court has subject matter jurisdiction over this Complaint pursuant
`7.
`to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331, 1338(a), and 17 U.S.C. § 501(b).
`This Court has personal jurisdiction over Defendants. Defendants have:
`8.
`transacted business within California; transacted business with California
`companies, resellers, and consumers; committed the tortious act of copyright
`infringement within California; and have caused tortious injuries within California
`resulting from acts occurring outside California.
`9.
`Defendants operate the website TekkHosting.com (the “Website”).
`During the relevant time. Defendants have marketed and sold Nitro TV subscriptions
`to end users in California as well as TekkHosting Nitro Reseller Credits (which are
`exchanged for Nitro TV subscriber credentials) to resellers in California, via the
`Website and other interactive websites, and have profited from the sale of the same.
`10.
`In furtherance of their infringement. Defendants do business with
`California-based companies, including but not limited to (a) Cloudflare, Inc., a
`company that provides content delivery and domain name services and is
`headquartered in San Francisco, California; and (b) Facebook, which is
`headquartered in Menlo Park, California and which Defendants have used to
`advertise and promote Nitro TV subscriptions and to build the Nitro TV reseller
`network.
`
`1 2
`
`3 4 5 6 7
`
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`4
`COMPLAINT
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-03129-JAK-GJS Document 1 Filed 04/03/20 Page 5 of 25 Page ID #:5
`
`11.
`Defendants’ unauthorized exploitation of the Copyrighted Works has
`caused harm to Plaintiffs in California. Defendants reasonably expected or should
`have reasonably expected their acts to cause harm in California because Plaintiffs
`maintain either headquarters or offices in California, and it is the location of a
`significant portion of Plaintiffs’ production and distribution operations.
`12.
`Venue is proper in this District pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1391(b),
`1400(a).
`
`THE PARTIES
`13.
`Plaintiff Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. (“Columbia”) is a
`corporation duly incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware with its
`principal place of business in Culver City, California. Columbia owns or controls
`copyrights or exclusive rights in content that it or its affiliates produce or distribute.
`14.
`Plaintiff Amazon Content Services, LLC (“Amazon”) is a corporation
`duly incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware with its principal place of
`business in Seattle, Washington. Amazon owns or controls the copyrights or
`exclusive rights in the content that it or its affiliates produce or distribute.
`15.
`Plaintiff Disney Enterprises, Inc. (“Disney”) is a corporation duly
`incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware with its principal place of
`business in Burbank, California. Disney owns or controls copyrights or exclusive
`rights in content that it or its affiliates produce or distribute.
`16.
`Plaintiff Paramount Pictures Corporation (“Paramount”) is a
`corporation duly incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware with its
`principal place of business in Los Angeles, California. Paramount owns or controls
`copyrights or exclusive rights in content that it or its affiliates produce or distribute.
`17.
`Plaintiff Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (“Warner Bros.”) is a
`corporation duly incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware with its
`principal place of business in Burbank, California. Warner Bros, owns or controls
`copyrights or exclusive rights in content that it or its affiliates produce or distribute.
`
`1 2 3 4 5
`
`6
`7
`
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`5
`COMPLAINT
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-03129-JAK-GJS Document 1 Filed 04/03/20 Page 6 of 25 Page ID #:6
`
`18.
`Plaintiff Universal City Studios Productions LLLP (“UCSP”) is a
`limited liability limited partnership duly organized under the laws of the State of
`Delaware with its principal place of business in Universal City, California. UCSP
`owns or controls copyrights or exclusive rights in content that it or its affiliates
`produce or distribute.
`19.
`Plaintiff Universal Television LLC (formerly known as NBC Studios
`LLC) (“UT”) is a limited liability company duly organized under the laws of the
`State of New York with its principal places of business in Universal City, California
`and New York, New York. UT owns or controls copyrights or exclusive rights in
`content that it or its affiliates produce or distribute.
`20.
`Plaintiff Universal Content Productions LLC (formerly known as
`Universal Cable Productions LLC and Universal Network Television, LLC)
`(“UCP”) is a limited liability company duly organized under the laws of the State of
`Delaware with its principal place of business in Universal City, California. UCP
`owns or controls the copyrights or exclusive rights in the content that it or its
`affiliates produce or distribute.
`21.
`Plaintiffs have obtained Certificates of Copyright Registration for their
`Copyrighted Works. Exhibit A contains a representative list of titles, along with
`their registration numbers, as to which Defendants have directly and secondarily
`infringed, and continue to do so.
`22.
`Defendant Alejandro Galindo (“Galindo”) resides in or around
`Dickinson, Texas.
`Plaintiffs do not presently know the true names of the DOE defendants.
`23.
`Plaintiffs are informed and believe, and on the basis of that information allege, that
`each of the DOE defendants was in some manner proximately responsible for the
`events alleged in this Complaint and for the injuries and damages alleged herein.
`Plaintiffs will amend this Complaint to assert the true names and/or capacities of the
`DOE defendants when their names are ascertained.
`
`1 2 3 4 5
`
`6 7 8 9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`25
`26
`27
`
`28
`
`6
`COMPLAINT
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-03129-JAK-GJS Document 1 Filed 04/03/20 Page 7 of 25 Page ID #:7
`
`BACKGROUND FACTS
`Plaintiffs and Their Copyrighted Works
`24.
`Plaintiffs and/or their affiliates produce and distribute a significant
`portion of the world’s most sought-after, critically acclaimed, and award-winning
`television programs and motion pictures.
`25.
`They also own or hold the exclusive U.S. rights (among others) to
`reproduce, distribute, and publicly perform the Copyrighted Works, including by
`means of streaming those works over the Internet to the public.
`26.
`Plaintiffs, either directly or indirectly through their affiliates, authorize
`the legitimate distribution and public performance of the Copyrighted Works in
`various formats and through multiple distribution channels, including, by way of
`example: (a) through cable and direct-to-home satellite services (including basic,
`premium, and “pay-per-view”); (b) through authorized, licensed Internet video-on-
`demand (“VOD”) services, including those operated by Amazon, iTunes, Google
`Play, Disney+, and VUDU; (c) through authorized, licensed Internet or over-the-top
`(“OTT”) streaming services, including those offered by Hulu TV, Fubo TV, Sling
`TV, YouTube TV, and others; (d) for private home viewing on DVD, Blu-ray, and
`UHD discs; (e) for exhibition in theaters; and (f) for broadcast television.
`Defendants’ Direct and Secondary Infringement of Plaintiffs’ Copyrighted
`Works
`Plaintiffs’ Copyrighted Works have been and are being streamed live
`27.
`to Nitro TV subscribers, as well as being provided on an on-demand basis, via the
`Nitro TV Platforms without Plaintiffs’ authorization. The Nitro TV Platforms—
`which compete with and undermine authorized cable and Internet on demand
`services-
`are available on a subscription basis and are controlled by Defendants,
`who profit from the sale of subscriptions to the Nitro TV Platforms.
`To market and promote the Nitro TV Platforms, Defendant Galindo
`28.
`the
`created
`NITROTV
`Official
`Facebook
`group.
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3 4 5
`
`6 7 8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`21
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`7
`COMPLAINT
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-03129-JAK-GJS Document 1 Filed 04/03/20 Page 8 of 25 Page ID #:8
`
`www.facebook.com/groups/Nitroiptv/ (“Nitro TV Facebook Group”),
`As the
`creator and an administrator of the Nitro TV Facebook Group, Galindo used it to
`market and promote Nitro TV subscriptions, to induce, encourage, and facilitate
`infringement, and to expand Defendants’ web of Nitro TV subscription resellers.
`Among other things, as reflected in the screen shot below. Defendants used this
`Facebook group platform to inform subscribers of Nitro TV’s new channels and
`program offerings, to provide subscribers with updates about the Nitro TV
`Platforms, and to invite subscribers to post on the Nitro TV Facebook Group page
`the TV shows they wanted added to Nitro TV.
`
`Alex Galindo shared a link.
`O Admin ■ October 8, 2017
`Refresh or restart your app. You will see Urban and Family Movies
`categories now un VOD. We have now started to add TV series and
`started with Game of Thrones all of Game of Thrones seasons are
`avaialble in VOD in 1080p Please post here TV shows you want next
`so that we can get an idea which ones to add next. Will leave
`comments open for this. Any issues or help request still need to be
`submitted via ticket through
`
`Client Area - TekkHosting
`TEKKHOSTING.COM
`
`[Cf Like
`
`OO 22
`
`29.
`Defendants have added title-curated television channels to Nitro TV’s
`channel lineup apparently in response to subscribers’ responses to requests for their
`feedback.
`
`W
`
`W
`
`8
`COMPLAINT
`
`1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
`
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`
`20
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-03129-JAK-GJS Document 1 Filed 04/03/20 Page 9 of 25 Page ID #:9
`
`Defendants even used the Nitro TV Faeebook Group as a vehicle to
`30.
`advise Nitro TV subscribers how to hide infringing activity. For example, as
`reflected below, Galindo advised users to use a VPN, which would mask the users’
`unique IP address and location and enable access to restricted content:
`
`1 2 3 4 5
`
`6 7
`
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`fi
`
`I
`
`'j
`
`NfTRO TV Official
`
`OtKUI«l«A
`
`VidMM
`
`Phowt
`Fi^
`
`O Smw StJ^w-u ^
`O wnoTvofficte
`O *«n»Tv
`
`O Smwihub-AOOOM
`O PEWECTSTKA. 2Q.
`O M»ln»rwlPTV.
`
`Kellv ATvrt
`T«5 IS THF PtWEO POST*
`Welcome to mo
`RUUS:
`n PLEASE READ PtiSfiCD TrtS POST FOR SET UP (NFO F«STJ A so,
`fh^EASE sttre yew read v««f Wetcorac and credertais
`emals Cheat rnak if ycu get Ihem
`21 DOhOTme
`admin unless asked to do scl I DO NOT run
`this board, or MTRO service I of^ helped put tfxs page togeth^, so
`piatM dpnt message tm tof adnw^rairva
`Scf; Mora
`
`o z
`
`''> Like
`
`>=>
`
`A ev
`IT you r?ve in the UK 3iati kibcoffs are b ocked by your Isp Simpe vpo
`service ^ iPvar*sh wT ahow ybu to vie* wthout ssues. Out«K)e of
`UKya;ei«9ood
`
`V*
`1
`W W W rN I T R O I P T V : <
`\
`
`I
`
`ii •
`
`• ,
`
`*
`
`/ ftt-t- Ve- *-3
`
`crcuca I’aeM it e«4er tfof'
`■V* 13 Shan with t'
`tw*' ?y t»ji“ flat* i
`
`0«
`
`Ch* *
`
`31.
`Defendants use their Website, TekkHosting.com, as their primary
`interface through which users may receive access credentials to the infringing
`service. To obtain credentials allowing access to the programs via the unauthorized
`Nitro TV Platforms, a subscriber must either (a) purchase a subscription through the
`Website or other website controlled by Defendants or (b) purchase a subscription
`
`9
`COMPLAINT
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-03129-JAK-GJS Document 1 Filed 04/03/20 Page 10 of 25 Page ID #:10
`
`through a Nitro TV reseller who has purehased TekkHosting Nitro Reseller Credits
`on the Website or through other means controlled by Defendants such as
`nitroiptv.com.
`Nitro TV subscriptions typically sell for $20 per month for two devices.
`32.
`Upon paying the monthly subscription fee, a new subscriber receives an email within
`approximately 24 hours providing the necessary Nitro TV credentials and a link to
`the Nitro TV application (the “App”) for the subscriber to download onto one or
`more devices (e.g., laptop or Android phone).
`Upon downloading the App and launching one of the Nitro TV
`33.
`Platforms with their subscriber credentials, Nitro TV subscribers have been greeted
`by the message: “Enjoy the best television channels with the best IPTV App!
`Defendants prompt Nitro TV subscribers go to Live TV or view their
`34.
`TV Guide:
`
`95
`
`w
`
`W
`
`W
`
`W
`
`10
`COMPLAINT
`
`1 2 3
`
`4 5 6 7 8
`
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`26
`27
`
`28
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-03129-JAK-GJS Document 1 Filed 04/03/20 Page 11 of 25 Page ID #:11
`
`Upon selecting Live TV, Nitro TV subscribers are provided with a
`35.
`collection of television programming curated by Defendants. The sheer volume of
`channels that Defendants have captured to provide on the Nitro TV Platforms
`requires organization by category or genre (e.g., Entertainment, Network, News,
`Sports, Kids, 24/7) as depicted in the screenshot below:
`I S cl>)) WebTV Player
`O ia
`WebTV PInyef nitro
`
`*
`
`L ^ -
`
`«-
`
`CC nitrovvebddnsoet
`
`ViUTCKS W*ftTV
`
`0
`
`utttfIcTVHD
`
`)WN KD
`)WH m
`)iV9en HD
`^oriimpunt N«tAixl( HP
`
`^i>pF«TVHP
`
`Ita
`
`M-'’ /
`
`■ii
`
`1,
`
`S
`t .
`
`Defendants offer thousands of live television channels. The live
`television channel offerings are streamed contemporaneously with the original
`source of the telecast. In other words, the television program airing on a television
`channel (e.g., FX, the Disney Channel, Paramount Network) through an authorized
`source (e.g., a cable operator, satellite TV provider) is available on the Nitro TV
`Platforms at the same time. Many of these television channels include the
`Copyrighted Works.
`Upon clicking on one of the live television program offerings, the Nitro
`37.
`TV system assembled, operated, controlled, and managed by Defendants transmits
`the television program, including Plaintiffs’ Copyrighted Works, to the Nitro TV
`subscriber. Initially the television program will appear in a window on the right of
`
`11
`COMPLAINT
`
`1 2 3 4 5 6
`
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-03129-JAK-GJS Document 1 Filed 04/03/20 Page 12 of 25 Page ID #:12
`
`the viewing device. With the click of a button, the program may be maximized to
`fill the entire screen.
`Below are screenshots depicting just a couple of Plaintiffs’ Copyrighted
`38.
`Works streamed by Defendants:
`
`3428 - 24/7: Spider-man Movies
`
`i
`
`*
`
`vVN
`
`A
`
`I *
`
`* i
`
`-d
`/“Til
`
`a
`
`^ow; No Program Found
`Next: No Program Founc:
`
`1
`
`'ti
`
`Mi'.
`
`< I
`
`24rf:lht Offlefi
`
`^ W
`
`C
`
`■ I
`
`►I
`
`w
`
`o
`
`■I
`
`12
`COMPLAINT
`
`tt
`
`I
`
`EclMB^S
`
`1 2
`
`3 4 5
`
`6 7 8 9
`
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`26
`27
`
`28
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-03129-JAK-GJS Document 1 Filed 04/03/20 Page 13 of 25 Page ID #:13
`
`39.
`Reflecting their targeting of California subscribers, Defendants obtain
`and include on Nitro TV Platforms a collection of broadcast television networks
`throughout California such as the Los Angeles ABC, CBS, CW, NBC and FOX
`networks reflected below:
`
`V SMARTER'
`UVU L ? 1,411 AlW-
`Anyolcs CA
`US:CBSHDKCALL
`US; CBS HD Los Angeles CA
`US; NBC HD L> Angeli CA
`
`US;CWHDKTLACH5Lo5Angoll!5Cfl
`US: ABC HD L
`Anyeles CA
`US; FOX HD Los Angeles CA
`XJ
`WJi# My 1J KCOP L.
`- nsi US: ABC HD Loui:
`US: CBS HD Louisville KY
`US; FOX HD Louisville KY
`US; NBC HD Louisvi
`
`Defendants also offer a VOD service on the Nitro TV Platforms in the
`40.
`form of Nitro TV’s “Catch Up” feature. When a Nitro TV subscriber selects the
`Catch Up” option (which is displayed in the lower right hand comer of the
`screenshot of Nitro TV in Paragraph 34, above), they are offered television
`programming from the prior two days. For example, a Nitro TV subscriber using
`this feature on a Monday would be shown a guide of what aired on Sunday and
`Saturday, and may select and watch a program that was telecast at a specific time
`and on a specific channel (e.g., Disney Channel, Paramount Network) during the
`prior two days. This type of VOD service is only possible by copying the
`programming.
`41.
`In addition to the collection of live television channels that Defendants
`have amassed. Defendants offer “24/7,” title-curated channels devoted to a single
`television series, motion picture, or franchise. By way of example, the 24/7 channel
`
`13
`COMPLAINT
`
`1 2 3 4 5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`
`20
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-03129-JAK-GJS Document 1 Filed 04/03/20 Page 14 of 25 Page ID #:14
`
`dedicated to Season 1 of Peaky Blinders streams the episodes from Season 1 of that
`series in order. Similarly, the 24/7 channel dedicated to Marvel’s Captain America:
`The Winter Soldier streams that single movie repeatedly, as reflected from the
`screenshots below:
`
`24/7 Captain America The Winter Soldier 4K
`
`24/7 4K UHD
`
`24/7 Captain America
`The Winter Soldier 4K
`
`24/7 Backdraft 4K
`
`24/7 Field of Dreams 4K
`UHD
`
`24/7 The Grand Tour S2
`4K UHD
`
`24/7 Dumbo 4K UHD
`
`2A/7 Godzilla 4K UHD
`
`7 CaptalR
`jrica The Vs/'n
`iier 4K
`is not available
`channel.
`
`Unavailable -
`EPG is not available fo this channel.
`EPG is not available to this channel.
`
`I
`
`<
`
`Defendants offer some of Plaintiffs’ most popular Copyrighted Works
`42.
`through these 24/7 channels, such as Friends, Fleabag, Spider-Man motion pictures,
`and The Mentalist. To create and offer such channels. Plaintiffs’ Copyrighted Works
`have been reproduced and then assembled in a continuous loop for the purpose of
`
`14
`COMPLAINT
`
`1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
`
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-03129-JAK-GJS Document 1 Filed 04/03/20 Page 15 of 25 Page ID #:15
`
`transmitting them nonstop to Nitro TV subscribers via the Nitro TV Platform—all
`without Plaintiffs’ authorization.
`As noted above, to expand Nitro TV’s subscriber base and their ill-
`43.
`gotten profits, Defendants developed and operate a Nitro TV reseller program,
`creating an extensive and expanding network of Nitro TV resellers. Defendants have
`dramatically increased their profits from infringement by selling TekkHosting Nitro
`Reseller Credits to resellers for credentials to access Nitro TV. In turn. Defendants’
`network of resellers market and promote Nitro TV to attract new subscribers to the
`illegal Nitro TV service. When a reseller sells a Nitro TV subscription, access
`credentials are provided to the Nitro TV Platforms in exchange for debiting the
`reseller’s credits.
`44.
`Volume discounts incentivize resellers to buy large quantities of credits
`and boost their subscription sales. For example, as reflected in the screenshot on the
`next page, a reseller buying 20 credits would pay $10 per credit, while a reseller
`purchasing 1,000 credits would pay less than $5 per credit. As a reseller typically
`sells Nitro TV subscriptions for $20 per month, a high-volume reseller will keep
`more from each subscription that it sells. Defendants, in turn, gain a larger number
`of subscribers paying them monthly fees for Defendants’ infringing service.
`w
`
`w
`
`W
`
`W
`
`w
`
`15
`COMPLAINT
`
`1 2
`
`3 4 5 6 7 8 9
`
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-03129-JAK-GJS Document 1 Filed 04/03/20 Page 16 of 25 Page ID #:16
`
`1
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`6
`
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`
`20
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`26
`
`27
`28
`
`o
`
`l^-jrpw
`
`N<’M,Of»S SL'ih
`
`s
`
`(joou;t \J’.
`
`Choose your package
`
`AtWLjIlt
`
`15 TekkHosting Nitro
`Reseller Credits
`
`S16S,0 USD One T
`Oi'cJei Now
`
`:o TekkHosting Nitro
`Reseiier Credits
`
`DUSD OneTi
`er Now
`
`30 TekkHosting Nitro
`Reseller Credits
`
`10 USD One. Til
`
`Thrs B for FirM imw Re-wiWrsioStgn up
`and becorrwa Re-stjfief. Thn mckides
`
`ISCredits
`
`20T^«ikHosTing NrtroF:*4*r## Credits
`
`EiBttngR#iSie^*rs'|
`
`30TekkHcBttng Nitro Reselter Cred/ts
`
`50 TekkHosting Nitro
`Reseller Credits
`
`100 TekkHosting Nitro
`Reseller Credits
`
`200 TekkHosting Nitro
`Reseller Credits
`
`00 USD OneTi
`
`S4:
`
`USD One T
`
`50 TekkHosling Nitro Reseller Credits
`
`ICO TekkHostmg Nitro Rewller Credits
`
`2C0TeklcHcBt«ng Nitro Reseller Credits
`
`500 TekkHosting Nitro
`eller Credits
`Xi
`
`24S9.09USD OneTi
`Order Now
`
`TekkHosting Nitro
`Resellers i.ooo
`TekkHosting Nitro
`Credits
`Re:
`
`Existing Reseller Credit
`Refill 15 credits
`
`S1G5.I
`
`SD Oi
`Order N
`
`500 TekkHosting Niuo Reseller Credits
`
`lODOTekkHostffig Nitro Resefler Credits
`
`ig Niti o
`TekkHost
`5eUei s 1 ooo
`TekkHo?;tincj Nitro
`Rc-
`Tiler Cl eclitc.
`Rc
`«^&0<X.DO UflD Oiia Tlinir
`<>rf|iTr Nobv
`
`edit
`ReMU 15 Cl
`edits
`9 SnSsOO USO Olhu Trrnn
`
`Existing Res ■Her Credil
`
`Refill
`
`Ciidtfr N«w
`
`Existing Reseller Credit
`Refill lOO Credits
`t^OO.OO USE> Tldtff
`'
`Ntnv ‘
`
`41 laii.OCi U4D One Thniir
`
`Ofditmnw
`
`16
`COMPLAINT
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-03129-JAK-GJS Document 1 Filed 04/03/20 Page 17 of 25 Page ID #:17
`
`99
`
`99
`
`The reseller program plays a pivotal role in Defendants’ illegal
`45.
`commercial enterprise.
`Defendants’ web of resellers promotes Nitro TV as a
`substitute for authorized and licensed distributors (e.g., cable television providers,
`OTT streaming services). For example, Nitro TV is marketed as “simply the best
`and most reliable streaming service on the market, featuring over 2,500 HD
`streams.
`Nitro TV marketing also promotes that subscribers can access “NFL,
`NHL, MLB, NBA, Soccer, UFC & PPV, 99
`24/7 Channels & Premium Movies,” “US
`Regionals,” and “Fitness, Music, Latino, Spanish, and more!” And Nitro TV offers
`many different subscriptions for you and your household to enjoy.
`46.
`The sheer breadth of Defendants’ illegal IPTV operation and the harm
`to Plaintiffs is apparent. One of Defendants’ resellers recently boasted about the
`success of his resell efforts:
`Over 45,000 customers activated in the last 12
`months.” That is just one Nitro TV reseller. There are scores of them.
`Immediate and Irreparable Harm Threatened by Defendants’ Mass
`Infringement
`47.
`The scope of Defendants’ infringement of Plaintiffs’ Copyrighted
`Works is massive. Nitro TV is operating twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week
`throughout the United States and abroad, infringing Plaintiffs’ Copyrighted Works
`in vast numbers on a daily basis.
`48.
`Plaintiffs exercise their exclusive rights to license distributors and
`downstream services to develop and grow markets for their copyrighted content,
`particularly the emerging digital markets. Defendants’ conduct usurps Plaintiffs’
`control over the exercise of these exclusive rights, interfering with those distribution
`strategies.
`49.
`Defendants illegally and unfairly compete with live TV streaming
`service providers who pay for permission to retransmit broadcast television, offering
`live Internet TV while refusing to pay for the commercially bargained-for licenses
`that the law requires. As such. Defendants also interfere with Plaintiffs’ existing
`
`1
`
`2 3 4 5
`
`6
`1
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`17
`COMPLAINT
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-03129-JAK-GJS Document 1 Filed 04/03/20 Page 18 of 25 Page ID #:18
`
`relationships with legitimate online services. These legitimate services negotiate
`their licenses and abide by contractual restrictions. Defendants need not honor such
`contractual restrictions because they circumvent the licensing process altogether.
`This unfair competition undermines the legitimate market for content streamed over
`the Internet, which is a robust and growing part of Plaintiffs’ businesses and an
`important option to many consumers.
`50.
`Defendants are also contributing to consumer confusion regarding what
`is lawful and what is not by misleading customers to believe that the Nitro TV
`service is also legitimate. In this way, Nitro TV subscribers and potential subscribers
`may mistakenly view Nitro TV as a legal and sanctioned alternative to authorized
`distribution outlets and licensees, when it is not. This harms the market for legitimate
`services by drawing users away from Plaintiffs’ legitimate licensees.
`51.
`For these reasons. Plaintiffs bring this action to protect their rights and
`end Defendants’ wrongs.
`
`FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION
`(Direct Copyright Infringement)
`52.
`Plaintiffs incorporate herein by reference each and every averment
`contained in paragraphs 1 to 51 inclusive.
`53.
`Under Section 106 of the Copyright Action, Plaintiffs own the
`exclusive right to, among other things, make public performances of and reproduce
`their Copyrighted Works.
`54.
`Plaintiffs have never authorized Defendants to publicly perform or
`reproduce their Copyrighted Works.
`55.
`Defendants have infringed and continue to directly infringe thousands
`of Plaintiffs’ Copyrighted Works by violating Plaintiffs’ exclusive rights to make
`public performances of and reproduce the Copyrighted Works. Defendants, without
`permission or consent of Plaintiffs, have (a) publicly performed and will continue to
`publicly perform Plaintiffs’ Copyrighted Works, including but not limited to those
`
`1 2 3 4 5 6
`
`7 8 9
`
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`
`20
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`18
`COMPLAINT
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-03129-JAK-GJS Document 1 Filed 04/03/20 Page 19 of 25 Page ID #:19
`
`worked listed on Exhibit A hereto, by transmitting them over the Internet to Nitro
`TV subscribers; (b) reproduced and will continue to reproduce the Copyright Works
`in connection offering the “Catch Up” VOD service described above and creating
`24/7 channels; and (c) reproduced the Copyright Works in connection with offering
`other VOD services and the existing 24/7 channels.
`56.
`Defendants’ acts of infringement are willful, in disregard of and with
`indifference to Plaintiffs’ rights.
`As a direct and proximate result of the infringements by Defendants,
`57.
`Plaintiffs are entitled to damages and Defendants’ profits in amounts to be proven at
`trial.
`
`Alternatively, at their election. Plaintiffs are entitled to statutory
`58.
`damages, up to the maximum amount of $150,000 per infringed work by virtue of
`Defendants’ willful infringement, or for such other amounts as may be proper under
`17U.S.C. § 504.
`59.
`Plaintiffs further are entitled to recover their attorneys’ fees and full
`costs pursuant to 17 U.S.C. § 505.
`60.
`As a direct and proximate result of the foregoing acts and conduct.
`Plaintiffs have sustained and will continue to sustain substantial, immediate and
`irreparable injury, for which there is no adequate remedy at law. Unless enjoined
`and restrained by this Court, Defendants will continue to infringe Plaintiffs’ rights
`in the Copyrighted Works. Plaintiffs are entitled to injunctive relief under 17 U.S.C.
`§ 502.
`
`SECOND CAUSE OF ACTION
`(Contributory

This document is available on Docket Alarm but you must sign up to view it.


Or .

Accessing this document will incur an additional charge of $.

After purchase, you can access this document again without charge.

Accept $ Charge
throbber

Still Working On It

This document is taking longer than usual to download. This can happen if we need to contact the court directly to obtain the document and their servers are running slowly.

Give it another minute or two to complete, and then try the refresh button.

throbber

A few More Minutes ... Still Working

It can take up to 5 minutes for us to download a document if the court servers are running slowly.

Thank you for your continued patience.

This document could not be displayed.

We could not find this document within its docket. Please go back to the docket page and check the link. If that does not work, go back to the docket and refresh it to pull the newest information.

Your account does not support viewing this document.

You need a Paid Account to view this document. Click here to change your account type.

Your account does not support viewing this document.

Set your membership status to view this document.

With a Docket Alarm membership, you'll get a whole lot more, including:

  • Up-to-date information for this case.
  • Email alerts whenever there is an update.
  • Full text search for other cases.
  • Get email alerts whenever a new case matches your search.

Become a Member

One Moment Please

The filing “” is large (MB) and is being downloaded.

Please refresh this page in a few minutes to see if the filing has been downloaded. The filing will also be emailed to you when the download completes.

Your document is on its way!

If you do not receive the document in five minutes, contact support at support@docketalarm.com.

Sealed Document

We are unable to display this document, it may be under a court ordered seal.

If you have proper credentials to access the file, you may proceed directly to the court's system using your government issued username and password.


Access Government Site

We are redirecting you
to a mobile optimized page.





Document Unreadable or Corrupt

Refresh this Document
Go to the Docket

We are unable to display this document.

Refresh this Document
Go to the Docket